The Twenty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

24) The Twenty-fourth Gate: Veracity.

Veracity is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not deceive gods and human beings.(Nishijima/Cross)

Realness is a gate of realizing Dharma; it does not deceive devas and humans. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Intimately practice right speech,
That we may not deceive others.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How close are veracity and realness in meaning?

2. Does the gatha cover the essence of this gate?

3. Would you like to try writing another capping verse?

Capping Verse:

Most Detrimental
Are the lies
I tell to myself

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Veronica]

I am new to these 108 Gates and the process.
Are the two descriptions at the top of the post coming from two different interpretations? One from Nishijima/Cross and one from Tanahashi?

Veracity and realness could be interpreted both as trying to avoid lying or misrepresentation. Just being honest. Veracity reminds me more of how we are speaking, while realness reminds me more of how we are acting. But both could be used in either way.
I like the Gatha, it is simple and clear.
The capping verse is a strong reminder that the truth that we tell to others and how we act externally is only one part of living honestly. Our inner world needs honesty as well, and that can be practiced with mindfulness and meditation, to reveal our thoughts and their motives.

Veronica
stlah

[aprapti]

Most Detrimental
Are the lies
I tell to myself

aprapti


sat

[Tokan]

Google search - What is the synonym of word veracity? accuracy, authenticity, credibility, fairness, genuineness, honesty, impartiality, integrity, probity, rectitude, rightness, sincerity, trustworthiness, truthfulness, actuality, candor, correctness, exactitude, exactness, fact. I think Dr Google does justice to Buddhist interpretations of veracity. What I like about the above synonyms, is that they cover veracity as applied to different situations, in that sometimes this might mean we express impartiality and at others, candor. I always try to remember that thought precedes speech, even if I am not fully aware of those thought processes.

Capping verse alternative:

In deceiving others
with my words,
only I am fooled.

Gassho, Tokan (satlah)

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for bringing the Twenty-Fourth Gate to us!

1. How close are veracity and realness in meaning?

I agree with Veronica that veracity seems to be more related to speech, while realness appears to be more related to action. Both, though, convey the meaning of the Gate.

2. Does the gatha cover the essence of this gate?

I think that, in bringing up "right speech", the gatha expands on the idea of veracity to encompass all the precepts related to speech.

3. Would you like to try writing another capping verse?

Failing to speak the truth
Heaven and earth are set apart
Mind divides itself


Gassho,
Mateus
Satlah

[Shokai]

to Leon and Mateus for both your verses

gassho,Shokai
stlah

[Guest]

1.I found it interesting when I discovered the origin of the word sincere. It comes from two words sin (without) and cere (wax). When expensive china was received by a merchant, they would look for any signs of wax because that indicated that the china had been broken at one point and someone was trying to cover it up and sell it as flawless. I look at the term veracity in the same way. It is an invitation for us to be authentic. When we are not authentic, we delude ourselves and others and the Dharma cannot fully express itself in its pure form. Realness is making contact with what is authentically present.

2. I think that the gatha covers it nicely. It may seem on the surface that being deceived could come in other ways besides speech such as acting in a way to portray yourself in a way that you are not. But, in most ways than not, the deceit is carried out through speech.

3. When truth is put forth
There is no disguise
indisputably exposed

Gassho,

Bill (Daiman)
Stlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

I look at the term veracity in the same way. It is an invitation for us to be authentic. When we are not authentic, we delude ourselves and others and the Dharma cannot fully express itself in its pure form. Realness is making contact with what is authentically present.

I really like this Bill. It helped bring clarity to this Gate.


Tairin
Sat today and lah